Dancing On Ice Star Matt Richardson Reveals Feud with Holly Willoughy Over 'Unacceptable' Joke
Comedian and former Dancing On Ice contestant Matt Richardson has publicly disclosed a secret tense exchange with television presenter Holly Willoughby, claiming she made it clear she 'doesn't like him'. The revelation came in one of his recent TikTok videos, where he responded to a fan question about who in showbiz has disliked him the most, generating over 200,000 views and sparking widespread discussion online.
The Incident That Sparked the Feud
Matt Richardson, 34, who participated in the now-axed ITV skating series in 2021, recounted an incident from 2014 during a run-through for a developing panel show called Reality Bites. He was potentially being considered as a team captain, though Joel Dommett ultimately secured the role. During the run-through, which included All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, host Stephen Mulhern asked why there were three judges on The X Factor at Judges' Houses. Matt joked, 'Because the three of those added together is one real celebrity,' which received laughs in the room.
He emphasized that the comment was intended as a light-hearted joke and that Nicole Appleton herself later told him it was 'really funny'. Over the years, Matt and Nicole became friendly, sharing mutual friends and socializing together, including attending parties at her house.
Holly Willoughby's Confrontation
However, about three to four years after the panel show run-through, Holly Willoughby, 45, approached Matt at an event. He learned that she had been present during the run-through because her husband, Dan Baldwin, was involved in producing the show through his production company. Holly allegedly pointed at him and said, 'I've got a problem with you,' before berating him over the joke about Nicole, calling it 'f***ing unacceptable'.
Matt turned to Nicole, who was standing beside him, and asked if the joke offended her. Nicole responded, 'No, it was funny. It's fine, I got it. It's not a problem.' Despite this, Holly continued to 'have a real go' at him, which Matt found 'really weird', feeling 'told off' in the middle of a members' club. He noted that they barely spoke during his time on Dancing On Ice, partly due to Covid-19 restrictions, and remains unsure of her current opinion, speculating, 'She might still think I'm a t**t, but I don't know.'
Fan Reactions and Clarifications
The video prompted a flood of comments from viewers taking sides. One user commented, 'Why are people acting like this makes her a bad person? She thought she was defending her friend. She may have been mistaken but that doesn't make you a bad person.' Matt replied, clarifying that he wasn't attacking Holly, stating, 'Yeah I wasn't calling her an a*****e at all, I was just saying she doesn't like me ?' Another user praised Nicole Appleton's reaction, with Matt affirming, 'She is!'
Some fans saw humor in the situation, with one commenting it's a 'hell of a flex' to claim Holly Willoughby doesn't like you, to which Matt responded with laughter.
Holly Willoughby's Current Status
Holly Willoughby has maintained a lower public profile recently, leaving This Morning in October 2023 after Phillip Schofield's exit and following a terrifying kidnap and murder plot against her. Reports suggest she is planning a comeback, possibly with her own talk show or YouTube channel, after her last projects, Celebrity Bear Hunt on Netflix and You Bet! On Tour with Stephen, were taken off-air. She has not publicly addressed these rumors but continues to focus on her wellness brand, Wylde Moon, valued at approximately £10 million.
Representatives for Holly Willoughby have been contacted for comment on Matt Richardson's claims, but no response has been provided at this time. The story highlights ongoing tensions and personal dynamics within the entertainment industry, resonating with audiences interested in celebrity feuds and behind-the-scenes drama.
